California Interior Design: Hybrid Styles + Global Influences

California interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Brad Nicol.

The Golden State has generated many interior design aesthetics over the decades, from Hollywood Regency to California Modernism. The latest style to surge in popularity isn't a singular force, but a convergence of California eclecticism and global influences.

California is the most diverse state in America, home to 11 million immigrants, and 17 million transplants from other parts of the country. Coming from the nation's most populous melting pot, Californians have a deep appreciation for a variety of arts and culture. A study of Google search trends reveals that California is also the most well-traveled state in America, which explains why many Californians draw inspiration from their personal histories when decorating their homes.

Biophilic interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Brad Nicol.

Home designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a native Angeleno who founded her design studio 17 years ago in the entertainment capital of the world. The early aughts were the height of celebrity couple nicknaming when monikers like Bennifer, Brangelina, and TomKat grabbed gossip blog headlines. Hollywood culture is woven into the fabric of Los Angeles and has even seeped its way into home design and how we label aesthetics. Using Barnard's past projects as inspiration, we brainstormed eight portmanteaus that celebrate California's blended design styles.

Caliminimalism interior design by Sarah Barnard, photo by Steven Dewall.

"Caliminimalism" (California + Minimalism). Neutral color schemes, natural elements, and seamless indoor/outdoor living define the California-cool aesthetic. This pairs perfectly with a minimalist style, which emphasizes clutter-free spaces, neutral or all-white color schemes, and functionality. These approaches complement one another, creating a new aesthetic that's warm and comfortable, yet practical.

Caliterranean interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Scott Van Dyke.

"Caliterranean" (California + Mediterranean). Much of California has a Mediterranean climate, so it makes sense that the state's inhabitants have long borrowed from Mediterranean architecture and landscaping. California's take on Mediterranean style is a blend of Italian, Spanish, Moorish, and Mission influences. Stucco finishes, intricate tilework, dark wood tones, archways, and wrought iron accents characterize the aesthetic.

Ethicali interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Steven Dewall, Artwork: Renae Barnard.

"Ethicali" (Ethical + California). California has paved the way for renewable energy and sustainable home design in America. It's no surprise, then, that residents value healthy, sustainable interiors. By adopting the Ethicali aesthetic, you can design beautiful spaces using non-toxic, naturally-derived materials, and finishes. These materials extend from FSC-certified wood furniture, chemical-free textiles, and zero-VOC interior paints, all the way to eco-friendly wood wax finishes, natural latex foam fillers, and organic cotton batting.

Scandifornian interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Steven Dewall. Artwork: Renae Barnard.

"Scandifornian" (Scandinavia + Californian). Although separated by thousands of miles, California and Scandinavia share an appreciation for neutral color schemes, natural fibers, sustainably-sourced wood, and intentional accessories. The term "Scandifornian style" wasn't coined by us; however, it's certainly grown in popularity over the past couple of years. The combined style melds coastal California influences with the simplistic forms and function of Scandinavian interior design.

Calicottage interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by Scott Van Dyke

"Calicottage" (California +Cottage). California, and Los Angeles in particular, is home to a surprising number of Cape Cod-style cottages. To prevent a California cottage from looking like it's been airlifted from a coastal New England town, it's important to honor its sense of place by bringing in native plants, lightweight textiles, brighter color schemes, and timeless furniture pieces.

Francofornia interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by: Chas Metivier, Artwork: Renae Barnard.

"Francofornia" (French loving California). French and California home design sensibilities are surprisingly chic when blended. Classic French interiors can read overtly formal and ornate; offsetting the style with pared-back California comfort can make a Francofornia space feel fresh and au courant. Think custom-designed, French antique-inspired furniture made from sustainable materials and non-toxic French linen window treatments.

Tudornia interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by Steven Dewall, Artwork by Kevin Moore.

"Tudornia" (Tudor + California). Tudor-style homes are all about opulence. In the United States, they peaked in popularity during the 1920s and 30s, which is why you'll often spot them in historic L.A. neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, and Hancock Park. Even in present times, their interiors tend to be quite traditional. To achieve the Tudornia aesthetic, mix contemporary art, California-inspired furniture pieces, and colors with time-honored finishes and wall coverings.

"Coho" (California + Boho). The bohemian home design style has deep roots in the counterculture movement of the 1960s — the epicenter of which was in California. That free-spirited nature hasn't faded from the state, and many Californians continue to embrace vibrant colors, striking patterns, abundant plant life, and natural materials. The California approach to bohemian style is a bit more subdued and intentional; the silhouettes are modern, the colors are muted, and the decor is unobtrusive.

Coho interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Ace Misunias, Artwork: Kevin Moore

California's interior design is multifaceted, just like the state's nearly 40 million inhabitants. Californians draw on their diverse backgrounds and experiences to develop inclusive home design styles that function in their specific climate, geography, and social environment. Coining design phrases gives us the expressive language to convey the melding of ideas and cultures that exists in California.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art. Barnard’s designs celebrate the natural world while contributing to its preservation. Barnard is an advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process. Through her speaking engagements, pro-bono work, and writing, Barnard hopes to draw attention to these critical design objectives.

Barnard holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University as well as undergraduate degrees in Art and Interior Architectural Design. Barnard was recognized as an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Ones to Watch Scholar in the program’s inaugural class and in 2018 Locale Magazine named Barnard “Los Angeles’ Favorite Interior Designer.”

Barnard has given lectures at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), and SCALE: The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) National Student Summit. She has presented at the LA Home and Garden Show, Pacific Design Center, California Preservation Foundation, and Textile Arts LA. Most recently, OM Chats hosted Barnard and fellow design leaders to take part in a multi-speaker conversation around the role of empathy in design.

“Scandifornian” design goes coastal

Scandinavia and California don’t have much in common (the weather, for starters) but when it comes to home design, these two regions have strikingly similar taste. This is exemplified through the use of neutral color palettes, natural fibers, sustainably-sourced wood, and intentional accessories in both decorating styles. 

Interior designer Sarah Barnard recently renovated a 3,600-square-foot family home, not far from the bluffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Although the home was originally constructed in 1949, its revamped aesthetic is best described as ‘Scandifornian.’

The beachy blue and white exterior hints at what’s to come once you step inside. Distressed red brick forms a path to the entryway, which is framed by carved wood corbels that are original to the house. The foyer alcove includes a live edge wood table and a curated collection of seashells and minerals, blending organic elements with simple, clean lines.

Featuring handmade, live edge tables made by a local artisan.

But what instantly captures your attention is the light-drenched living room, featuring a vaulted ceiling with exposed wood beams. “The original bones of the house were excellent,” explains Sarah. A custom concrete fireplace designed by Sarah runs nearly the entire length of the wall. It’s boxy, modern shape is tempered by irregularly etched lines that “mimic the movement of the nearby sea.” 

The lightly-finished hardwood flooring, all natural, non-toxic sofa, shaggy wool floor cushion and wheel-thrown ceramics exude laid-back, Scandifornia style. Here, the aesthetic is minimal, but never cold or uninviting. Taking a seat on the floor is encouraged and each decorative object or family photo has a story behind it. 

A fine artist herself, Sarah collaborated with a trusted woodworker to create the living room wall sconces, carved from American Walnut. “The organic forms and natural finishes match perfectly with the coastal ambiance of the space,” notes Sarah. 

To build these custom creations, Sarah delivered sketches and sculptural models to the woodworker to convey her ideas. The prototype was referenced throughout the fabrication process to ensure accuracy, resulting in one-of-a-kind fixtures that serve as functional works of art. 

Natural dining chairs by the Cherner Chair Company have a slim silhouette.

The dining room was “designed to feel soft and light,” with a neutral color palette, elongated dining table, natural dining chairs and a chandelier that appears to be floating in mid-air. The fireplace surround is yet another of Sarah’s custom designs. “I chose tile glazed in brilliant blue to create an updated linear pattern neatly framed by a custom concrete mantle,” she adds.

Sarah once again worked alongside a local artisan to produce the orb-like sconces that brighten up the space. “I often take formal inspiration from the home's location and reinterpret that within the space,” explains Sarah, who used the home’s coastal locale as the jumping off point. She handcrafted a number of small ceramic prototypes for the client to review before agreeing on the current iteration.

The kitchen expertly combines old and new. “There is an exposed brick fireplace that remains a decorative element in the new kitchen,” says Sarah. “We wrestled with the idea of preserving or upgrading the original red brick. We collectively decided to keep it — in the kitchen only — as a homage to the architect’s original intent.” The light blue cabinet doors feature subtle detailing and the quartz countertops are flecked with real seashells. The office nook is the perfect spot to search for a new recipe or respond to emails, while the adjacent pantry offers plenty of storage and a stainless steel French-door refrigerator.

The ground floor is rounded out by a serene guest bathroom with a custom floating vanity, matching wood-framed mirror, and a vessel sink that sits atop an onyx countertop. Although the space consists of mostly hard surfaces, it is warmed up through the use of light wood tones, soft lighting and texture-rich pebble flooring. 

A handmade table by a local artisan anchors the space between the living room and dining room.

The California and Scandinavian home decorating styles share many of the same values, most notably an appreciation of natural beauty and fine craftsmanship. Throughout this project, Sarah worked side-by-side with local artisans and craftspeople to realize her custom furnishings and lighting designs. “Unique handmade objects bring authenticity and personalization to a home,” says Sarah. The finished product masterfully combines coastal California influences with the simplistic forms and function of Scandinavian home design.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Photos by Steven Dewall and Chas Metivier

California Minimalism: Scandifornian Style By the Coast

When a government executive from the east coast decided to retire, she knew it was time to finally make her home by the beach into the perfect restorative retreat. From a lifetime of travel, she collected an eclectic and beautiful array of art and antique furniture that needed to proper placement in the home she bought in the 1990s with her now late husband. She enlisted the help of Sarah Barnard Design to redesign the home, entrusting her with the task of blending the unique and personal pieces of the collection with a healthy, natural and minimalist style. Inspired by the light, bright and natural aesthetic of Scandinavian design, combined with the casual, collected aesthetic of coastal California.

Sarah Barnard set out to create a home that was not only beautiful, but that would allow the owner to be comfortable indefinitely.  To achieve form and function in the kitchen, reordering the space to fit the clients’ lifestyle best proved to be the solution. An open-plan design was chosen to allow the owner to quickly cook, as well as to allow for easy entertaining of guests.

Sarah chose pale grey flat panel cabinetry to help the small space feel lighter and brighter. Matte white glass tiles were selected to add a quiet elegance to the minimal space. Once the project was complete, the homeowner gushed, “Entertaining here is much more pleasurable, as is cooking for one in my new kitchen.”

The natural French oak flooring seamlessly connects the kitchen to the dining area, enlarging the sense of space in both rooms. Open shelving just outside the kitchen keeps cookbooks close and adds a sophisticated pop of color while stainless steel appliances were selected to pair with polished chrome cabinet hardware subtly. The simplicity of the color palette, the clean, natural materials, and the streamlined design created simplicity and new ease of use.

Sarah knew that repurposing the owner's treasured pieces would be essential in the home's re-design, so the owner's antique chairs and matching rosewood table from Thailand are placed prominently, bringing warmth and history to the contemporary dining space. The Italian chandelier above it contrasts the classic style and is made of laser cut metal and glass.

In the living room, the original design included a sizeable diagonal bench that connected to the fireplace. The redesign eliminated this and other cumbersome architectural elements to create more floor space and a modern aesthetic. Sarah conceived a more straightforward hearth to feature art and items her client painstakingly collected. A serene white plaster fireplace with a Qortstone marble hearth now anchors the living room in a place where a traditional wood and stone mantle once sat.

“I had not originally contemplated changing the living room fireplace wall, but I am delighted with the sleek new look Sarah achieved,” said the owner, who was also happy to have the perfect place for her paintings finally. “This oil painting, ‘Raspberry,’ previously hung in the stairwell between the second and third floors where its exuberant shapes and brush strokes could not be fully appreciated.” The painting, by Wendy Edwards, now hangs neatly above the fireplace.

A pair of dark stained wood coffee tables, also from the owner’s collection, were carefully chosen to make entertaining easy, while the vintage rug anchors all the white space with vibrant color. The result is sophisticated minimalism throughout the living room.

Upstairs, the owner requested an expansive shower, so the primary bathroom became a "wet room." Sarah planned for every eventuality in the owner's future, including her long term health and well-being using universal design principles. The result was a space free of any barriers like steps or glass shower walls.

Sarah designed the space to feel light and boundless by selecting custom cabinetry, also adding storage and architectural interest to this modern primary bathroom. Plumbing fixtures by California Faucets were chosen for their pure beauty, while the countertop slabs contain small pieces of natural shell, echoing the nearby ocean. Sarah finds that an element of nature adds a touch of calmness. Above the counter, diffuse split disc wall sconces were chosen to add a soft light to the room.

Both beauty and safety are prominent in Sarah’s Scandifornian design. Beautiful and sleek hand-glazed wall tiles inspired by sterling silver accompany durable and slip-resistant porcelain mosaic tile flooring that create a functioning and timeless atmosphere. Finally, an antique Victorian chair and a giclée print by artist D.J. Hall personalizes the fresh and crisp primary bathroom.

While continuing the elegant, sparse aesthetic from the first floor, the primary bedroom suite fills the entire second floor of this beautiful minimal townhouse, so special attention was paid to make it simple and calm. As the owner explained, “I travel frequently, and the serenity of the space makes coming home very comforting.”

The homeowner cares about her health and her environment; she practices self-care through activities like yoga and Pilates. It was essential to her that her home be filled with natural materials. Sarah was careful as always to find organic and lasting materials that would contribute to her health and wellness. The primary bedroom suite now highlights the beauty of natural objects and materials while planning for maximum comfort and use. The space features a vintage leather headboard by Duxiana, and the artwork is a framed print of a painting by Marc Chagall (c. 1957). Glass orbs were chosen to provide soft bedside light that keeps the nightstands free for books and other objects.

A second fireplace in a corner was made over in sterling silver-toned ceramic tiles, adding visual warmth. The marigold club chair beside it was made more personal with the addition of a handmade honey bee pillow embroidered by the homeowner.

Plants and flowers dot the suite, as Sarah adds plants whenever possible to create a healthy and natural environment. The unique collection mixed with healthy materials in the design of this townhouse allowed a meaningful and sophisticated style to emerge. After the completion of this redesign, the owner explained that what she loves best about her new home is “[the] serenity of the color palette and surfaces, the bold, visually arresting scale of the principal lighting fixtures, and the way the new surroundings accommodate favorite furniture pieces and decorative items.”  The newly finished home is a testament to the idea that less is more, and that health and natural design are the solutions to luxury.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Photos by Steven Dewall.